Causes of Tingling in the Leg & Foot

by
MARTIN HUGHES Aug. 14, 2017

Martin Hughes

Martin Hughes is a chiropractic physician, health writer and the co-owner of a website devoted to natural footgear. He writes about health, fitness, diet and lifestyle. Hughes earned his Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at the University of Waterloo and his doctoral degree from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Ore.

Numerous conditions can cause tingling in the leg and foot.

Numerous conditions can cause tingling in the leg and foot. According to the Foot Health Facts website, tingling in the leg and foot may indicate neurological or vascular problems. In some cases, tingling in the leg and foot may be accompanied by pain, burning or numbness. Tingling, wherever it occurs in the body, is an abnormal sensation that requires evaluation by a qualified health care professional.

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Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of tingling in the lower leg and foot. According to the Merck Manuals website, tarsal tunnel syndrome, also known as posterior tibial nerve neuralgia, is pain along the distribution of the posterior tibial nerve, which passes through the tarsal tunnel on the inside part of the ankle. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow passageway located on the inside aspect of the ankle just below the medial malleolus or the prominent bony bump. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through this tunnel causes tarsal tunnel syndrome. Common signs and symptoms associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome include pain, burning or tingling in the affected-side lower extremity, foot numbness and burning pain or tingling that is worse with prolonged standing, walking or exercising. The Merck Manuals website states that fracture and inflammatory arthritis are contributing factors in the development of tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome is an uncommon autoimmune disorder that causes tingling in the leg and foot. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, states that Guillain-Barre syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system targets the peripheral nervous system or the nerves that exist outside the brain and spinal cord. Although the exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is unknown, it is usually preceded by a respiratory infection or the stomach flu. Guillain-Barre syndrome affects approximately one or two people per 100,000. Common signs and symptoms associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome include tingling in the toes, feet and legs that spreads to the upper body, unsteady walking, difficulty with eye movement, facial expressions, speaking, chewing and swallowing, extreme low back pain, changes in bladder function and breathing difficulties.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can cause tingling in the lower extremity. According to MayoClinic.com, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a collection of hereditary disorders that target the nerves in the arms and legs. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a progressive disease that causes muscle weakness and atrophy or wasting. Although Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease-related symptoms usually originate in the feet and legs, they may eventually spread to the hands and arms. MayoClinic.com states that Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease usually begins during adolescence or early adulthood. Common signs and symptoms associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease include numbness and tingling in the legs and feet, decreased sensation in affected areas, leg, ankle and foot weakness, foot deformities such as hammertoes and high arches, difficulty running, a higher than usual step during gait and frequent tripping or falling.